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Based on your understanding of APA Standard 8.09, explain why the research team's justification for using live rats instead of the computer simulation is ethically insufficient. What specific mandate of the standard are they neglecting?
Case context: A research team is planning a study on the neurobiology of stress. They want to expose rats to moderate stress levels to observe changes in brain chemistry. The team has identified a computer simulation that could model some of these effects, but they prefer using live rats because it provides more direct biological data. They argue that as long as they minimize pain by providing comfortable housing and post-procedure care, using the rats is fully ethical under APA guidelines.
Question: Based on your understanding of APA Standard 8.09, explain why the research team's justification for using live rats instead of the computer simulation is ethically insufficient. What specific mandate of the standard are they neglecting?
Sample answer: The research team's justification is ethically insufficient because APA Standard 8.09 mandates that researchers must use alternative methods whenever they can. Even though the team plans to care for the rats humanely and minimize harm, these obligations only apply when animal use is unavoidable. Since a computer simulation alternative is available, the team is neglecting their mandate to use alternatives.
Key points:
- APA Standard 8.09 mandates that researchers use alternative methods to nonhuman animals whenever they can.
- Humane care and minimization of harm are required when animal use is unavoidable, but do not replace the mandate to seek alternatives.
- Having a preference for direct biological data does not exempt researchers from the requirement to use available alternative methods.
Rubric: The response must demonstrate comprehension of APA Standard 8.09 by explaining that minimizing harm is not a substitute for the mandate to use alternative methods. It must identify that because a computer simulation alternative exists, using live rats is ethically insufficient under the standard.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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